Karachi, Pakistan – The planned Minority Rights March in Karachi, scheduled for August 11, faced threats from extremist groups, leading to its cancellation. The march, which aimed to advocate for equal rights and an end to violence against minority communities in Pakistan, was initially granted permission by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC). However, the KMC later revoked the permission after threats from the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a radical religious political party.

The cancellation of the march has been met with disappointment and criticism from various groups and individuals, including Aurat March and Minority Rights March organizers. In a statement, the organizers expressed their disappointment, stating that the march was intended to highlight the issues faced by religious minorities in Pakistan and to demand justice.

The TLP, on the other hand, claimed that religious minorities already have all their rights and that the march should be stopped. Ironically TLP itself is notorious for organizing several violent rallies across Pakistan in the past.

The cancellation of the march has raised concerns about freedom of expression and the marginalization of minority communities in Pakistan. It has also highlighted the challenges faced by religious minorities in the country, including discrimination, violence, and the misuse of blasphemy laws.

In response to the cancellation, the organizers of the march have called for the government to provide security for peaceful protests and to uphold the constitutional right to freedom of expression. They have also urged the government to address the legitimate demands and concerns of religious minority groups across the country.

The situation in Karachi underscores the ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan and the need for greater protection of their rights. It also highlights the importance of promoting tolerance, inclusivity, and respect for diversity in the country.